Vietnamese-Inspired Ramen

Ingredients

While traditional Japanese ramen typically features a rich and savory broth, Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and lighter flavors. This adaptation incorporates the fragrant and herbal elements of pho, such as star anise, cinnamon, and fresh herbs, into the ramen broth. Additionally, the toppings and garnishes are influenced by Vietnamese cuisine, including bean sprouts, lime wedges, and Thai basil. We alse have the original recipe for Ramen, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (940ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (940ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 200g ramen noodles 200g ramen noodles
• 200g sliced chicken or tofu 200g sliced chicken or tofu
• 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 lime, cut into wedges 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish Fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Sliced chili peppers, for garnish Sliced chili peppers, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, water, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. 2.
   Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick from the broth.
3. 3.
   Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
4. 4.
   Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a separate pan, cook the sliced chicken or tofu until cooked through.
6. 6.
   Divide the cooked noodles and chicken or tofu among serving bowls.
7. 7.
   Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and sliced chili peppers.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ramen noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.
• Thai basil — Tear the leaves just before serving to release their aromatic oils.
• Bean sprouts — For a crunchier texture, blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for a few seconds before adding them to the ramen.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or tofu.
• Customize your toppings by adding sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced onions, or cooked shrimp.
• If you prefer a spicier ramen, add a few drops of Sriracha or chili oil to the broth.
• To enhance the flavor, toast the star anise and cinnamon stick in a dry pan before adding them to the broth.
• For a heartier meal, serve the ramen with a side of Vietnamese spring rolls or a fresh green salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-inspired ramen piping hot in individual bowls. Encourage your guests to squeeze fresh lime juice into their bowls and garnish with Thai basil, cilantro, and sliced chili peppers according to their taste preferences. Provide chopsticks and spoons for a traditional Asian dining experience.

Presentation advice

To make the ramen visually appealing, arrange the toppings neatly on top of the noodles. The vibrant colors of the bean sprouts, lime wedges, Thai basil, cilantro, and sliced chili peppers will create an appetizing presentation. Serve the ramen in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance the dining experience.